What are considered hazardous wastes?

Hazardous wastes are materials that can pose substantial or potential threats to public health or the environment. They typically possess one or more hazardous characteristics, such as being toxic, reactive, ignitable, or corrosive.

Batteries and medical waste are classified as hazardous because they contain harmful chemicals and pathogens that can cause serious health risks and environmental damage. For example, batteries often contain heavy metals like lead or cadmium, which can leach into the soil and water, posing a contamination risk. Medical waste can include sharps, infectious materials, and other items that can transmit diseases if not managed properly.

In contrast, food scraps and garden waste, while they can contribute to environmental concerns if not managed correctly, are typically not classified as hazardous wastes since they are biodegradable and can be composted. Glass and metals can often be recycled and do not inherently carry hazardous characteristics. Similarly, paper and plastics, though they have their own disposal challenges, do not generally exhibit the dangerous traits associated with hazardous waste categories.